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This issue area has aimed its focus on early childhood
education programs in Alaska. Current research on head start and reading
programs suggest that kids who go to preschool substantially improve their
performance in elementary school. Recently much funding has gone into supporting
these programs in the United States. There are lots of reasons why early
childhood education is important to our community. There are both short-term and long-term gains
from investing our time, money and energy in improving the quality and quantity
of education our at risk children are receiving.

In a review on the economic benefits of investing in early
childhood education Calman and Whelman (2005) stated “Research shows that
children who start school behind typically stay behind” (p.11). Quality early
education programs provide young children with the social, language, and number
skills they need. Children who start Kindergarten ready to learn show better
performance through grade school and are more likely to graduate from High
School. These programs decrease the cost spent on special education resources
and create jobs, and opportunities to work for Mothers who were previously
unable to work due to child-care costs (Calman & Whelman, 2005). There are strong economic returns and strong
educational benefits for members of the community at all ages. Investing in our
children’s early education is investing in our community, reducing crime rates,
and creating jobs in addition to educating our children (Calman & Whelman,
2005).

Anchorage is involved with its children’s education and is
working to support its youth through programs like head start. Head start is a non-profit program for
underprivileged kids that provide early learning opportunities. Kids enrolled in head start also receive
free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and are able to
play in an indoor and outdoor setting safely. Head start is available for ages
3-5 in almost every county in the Country. In Anchorage, there are also
early head start programs. These programs are available for infants and
toddlers. The early head start program is for children six months and older. Parents
typically need to be below the poverty line, and be involved in education or
have a job in order to use this early head start program. Head start is
community oriented and offers many opportunities to parents including parenting
trainings, assistance in obtaining a GED, and opportunities for parents to
learn English or learn to read.